CurrentReport Blog TNT Sports co-commentator Ally McCoist has sharply criticized Manchester United duo Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte following their side’s 2-2 draw with Everton in the Premier League on Saturday. The Red Devils fought back from two goals down to secure a point at Goodison Park, but McCoist believes that both players failed to handle the intensity of the game, particularly in the midfield.
McCoist’s comments came after a hard-fought match in which Manchester United showed resilience, coming from behind to level the score with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Ugarte. However, despite the comeback, McCoist wasn’t impressed with the overall performance of United’s midfielders, especially the two summer signings.
Discussing United’s performance during the match, McCoist acknowledged Everton’s impressive display. “The first thing you have to say is that Everton have been great,” he said. However, he then shifted focus to Manchester United’s lack of intensity, particularly in the middle of the park. “But United have got to lift and start asking questions of opponents. You need to ask a question of the opposition back-four. They haven’t done that,” McCoist added.
The key criticism McCoist directed at Manchester United’s midfield was aimed at Casemiro and Ugarte. While Casemiro, who joined the Red Devils from Real Madrid in 2022, has been a regular starter for United, McCoist believes that he hasn’t been at his best in recent performances. “Casemiro has been slightly better, but I look at Ugarte, I’m not seeing it with him at this moment in time,” McCoist continued. Ugarte, who signed from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2025, has been struggling to find his rhythm in the Premier League, according to the former footballer.
McCoist further expressed concern over the pair’s inability to cope with the intensity of the Premier League. “I’m really not seeing it. Those two aren’t really handling the intensity,” McCoist stated, suggesting that both players are struggling to meet the demands of top-flight football in England. This assessment comes at a time when Manchester United’s midfield has been under scrutiny, with fans and pundits alike questioning whether the team has the right balance and creativity to compete at the highest level.
While the result against Everton was a draw, Manchester United’s performance raised concerns. The Red Devils were under pressure for much of the game, particularly after Everton took a 2-0 lead. United’s inability to dominate possession or create enough clear-cut chances in the opening stages left many fans frustrated. McCoist’s comments further highlighted the growing concerns surrounding United’s midfield, especially given the pedigree of Casemiro and the expectations around Ugarte following his high-profile move to Old Trafford.
In the aftermath of the match, many will be looking to see how Manchester United responds in their upcoming fixtures. The performance of Casemiro and Ugarte, two players expected to anchor United’s midfield, will be under increased scrutiny as they look to improve their performances and show they can handle the rigors of Premier League football.
Ally McCoist’s criticism of Casemiro and Ugarte underscores the need for Manchester United to find consistency and intensity in the middle of the park. With the Premier League season ongoing, the Red Devils will need their midfielders to step up and provide the drive necessary for them to challenge for top honors.
